Mission Convocation Workshops
4:30 p.m. Workshops
Looking Through the Global Mission Window
The Rev. Dr. Gemechis Buba | Route 66
Sexual Slavery—Call It What It Is
The Rev. Dona Johnson | Double Deuce
NALC Life-To-Life Discipleship
The Rev. David Keener | Five Moons 5
How You Can Become Part of the 2020 Vision
Mike Schmidt & Makenzie Freshly (Cramer & Associates) | Five Moons 6
The NALS and Discerning a Call to Ministry
The Rev. Dr. Eric Riesen | Five Moons 7
Effective Parish Communication—Session 1: Principles and Theories
The Rev. Dcn. Andrew S. Ames Fuller | Five Moons 3
Youth and Family Ministry in the NALC
The Rev. Teresa Peters & Melanie Corn | Five Moons 2
Every Congregation Renewing: Real Life Processes & Strategies For Strengthening & Growing Congregations
The Rev. Brad Hales & the Rev. Dr. David Wendel | Five Moons 4
5:30 p.m. Workshops
Legacy Giving: An Expanded View of Giving
The Rev. Dona Johnson & Michael Johnson | Double Deuce
How Congregations Can Address the Range of Life Issues
The Rev. Mark Chavez | Route 66
NALC Life-To-Life Discipleship
The Rev. David Keener | Five Moons 5
How You Can Become Part of the 2020 Vision
Mike Schmidt & Makenzie Freshly (Cramer & Associates) | Five Moons 6
The NALS and Discerning a Call to Ministry
The Rev. Dr. Eric Riesen | Five Moons 7
Effective Parish Communication—Session 2: Applying Principles and Solving Real-Life Problems
The Rev. Dcn. Andrew S. Ames Fuller | Five Moons 3
Youth And Family Ministry in the NALC
The Rev. Teresa Peters & Melanie Corn | Five Moons 2
Every Congregation Renewing: Real Life Processes & Strategies For Strengthening & Growing Congregations
The Rev. Brad Hales & the Rev. Dr. David Wendel | Five Moons 4
Looking Through the Global Mission Window
Offered at 4:30 p.m. | Route 66
Pastor Buba will summarize the NALC’s Global Mission work and introduce some of our Mission Partners and Global Workers who will share about their work in the mission field and how congregations and individuals can support them.
Presenters: The Rev. William Moberly (Awakening Lives to World Mission); the Rev. David and Angela Breidenbach (Spiritual Orphans Network); and the Rev. Charles Jackson (World Mission Prayer League).
NALC Global Workers: Dr. Randy Stubbs; the Rev. Dr. Thomas Thorstad; Jonathan Gowin; the Rev. Martha Shanka; the Rev. Jhakmak Neeraj Ekka and the Rev. Nijhar Minz-Ekka; Dagaga Gemachu.
THE REV. DR. GEMECHIS BUBA
Assistant to the Bishop for International Mission,
North American Lutheran Church
Sexual Slavery—Call It What It Is
Offered at 4:30 p.m. | Double Deuce
Our congregations and every parent need to know the dangers of human (sexual) trafficking and its devastating effects on young children and youth. Human trafficking is everywhere—schools, shopping malls, youth programs and churches. It is both an individual and societal sin against God. Victims come from both affluent and poor neighborhoods. At this very moment, children in this country and throughout the world are being seduced, coerced and kidnapped to be groomed as sexual products to be sold on the worldwide sex market. As the church has formed statements on the right to life for the unborn, it is important that we extend this position to victims of human trafficking. No parent or child is immune from this pandemic of organized crime. “Chosen,” a brief film, will be shown about a young girl who was trafficked and was rescued by family members and friends.
This one-hour presentation will cover the following:
- How traffickers (pimps/predators) find young victims.
- How children are groomed and how traffickers create an emotional and physical bond with the victim.
- The role pornography plays in the grooming process.
- Warning signs and markers that could mean a victim is being trafficked.
- Illustration: Shared Hope International & Phoenix Dream Center—flagship recovery program.
- What is being done by local law enforcement and nonprofit agencies.
- How can you make this a ministry or get involved? Q&A.
THE REV. DONA JOHNSON
Chair, NALC Living & Giving Stewardship Team;
Pastor, GracePointe of Sedona
How Congregations Can Address the Range of Life Issues
Offered at 5:30 p.m. | Route 66
The NALC Life Ministries Team will give an overview of forthcoming resources intended to help congregations address life issues from conception in the womb to the end of life, and the circumstances of life in between those points. The resources will be based on Holy Scripture with the aim of not getting entangled in the polarizing politics of the culture. The resources will be designed to use in a variety of settings—youth or adult educational series, a Bible study, a sermon series for Lent or any other period. The workshop will offer ample time for discussion and feedback to assist in the preparation of the resources.
Presenters: The Rev. Mark Chavez, Chair; Rebecka Andrae-Frontz; the Rev. Dennis Di Mauro; the Rev. Dr. Amy Schifrin; the Rev. Melinda Jones; the Rev. Scott Licht; the Rev. Steve Shipman; and the Rev. Al Towberman.
THE REV. MARK CHAVEZ
Chair, NALC Life Ministries;
Pastor, Reformation Lutheran Church (Lancaster, Pennsylvania)
Legacy Giving: An Expanded View of Giving
Offered at 5:30 p.m. | Double Deuce
During our lifetime and only by the grace of God, many individuals and families accumulate some amount of wealth—it could be a little or a lot. And many very devoted and faithful people have no clear plan on how some of their financial and property assets will be distributed in ways that honor God upon their death. Your testimony to the faithfulness of God can live on through a legacy gifting plan.
Through the cross and Jesus’ death and resurrection, we gain an expanded perspective of what genuine giving and generosity look like. God’s giving of His only Son was not only for the benefit of a favored few but through Christ, God extended his gift of salvation to all future generations.
Legacy gifting gives the giver an opportunity to ground their giving in the gospel. And it expands our understanding of generosity to include not only our families but above all else Christ’s church—both local congregations and the North American Lutheran Church. Through directives in your will, beneficiary designations or your trust—your last will and testament, a statement of your faith in Jesus Christ can live on for generations to come. In this session we will provide the resources and the “how to” get started on building your legacy for Christ’s church.
THE REV. DONA JOHNSON
Chair, NALC Living & Giving Stewardship Team;
Pastor, GracePointe of Sedona
MICHAEL JOHNSON
Treasurer,
North American Lutheran Church
NALC Life-to-Life Discipleship
Offered at 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. | Five Moons 5
Tips and tools for developing a disciple-making culture in congregations. Come join Pastor David Keener in learning about our NALC Life-to-Life Discipleship initiative and how to be intentional in being and making disciples.
THE REV. DAVID KEENER
Director of Renewal & Discipleship,
North American Lutheran Church
How You Can Become Part of the 2020 Vision to Ensure a Legacy of Faith Today, Tomorrow & Forever
Offered at 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. | Five Moons 6
This interactive workshop will cover all updates, information, and resources to employ as you consider the best time and format for supporting the 2020 Vision in your own congregation. Mike and Makenzie will discuss the impact made within the NALC and its congregations through the 2020 Vision since the launch of its financial component and at the virtual Convocation in 2022, as well as the various communication tools to be aware of as you seek to become its local voice amongst your church peers. Join us to learn and ask questions about the vision as it continues progressing to ensure a legacy of faith today, tomorrow & forever!
MIKE SCHMIDT, CFRE
Cramer and Associates
MAKENZIE FRESHLY
Cramer and Associates
The North American Lutheran Seminary and Discerning a Call to Ministry
Offered at 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. | Five Moons 7
During this breakout session, the North American Lutheran Seminary (NALS) president, faculty, and staff will be present to share about the good things God is doing to raise up the next generation of pastors and church leaders. Come and meet our newest faculty members and hear about the work of the seminary. Pastor Jeff Morlock will share about his ongoing ministry of discernment throughout the NALC and Pastor Patti Morlock will share about Ordination Under Special Circumstances (OUSC). There will be time for questions and discussion.
THE REV. DR. ERIC RIESEN
President, North American Lutheran Seminary
Effective Parish Communication
Session 1: Principles and Theories
Offered at 4:30 p.m. | Five Moons 3
Join us in this transformative workshop with the Deacon Andrew Ames Fuller and the NALC Communications Team in the first part of our two-part series. The Principles and Theories workshop is an immersive exploration into the profound theological foundations of communication. Learn to unlock the potential of both traditional and digital channels in strengthening your parish’s connectivity. Grasp the pivotal principle that “everything speaks” and learn how to let your parish’s vision and values resonate through every interaction. Delve deep into the art of crafting compelling messages, balancing your communication with your internal and external audiences, and navigating through crises. Embrace leadership principles to foster a collaborative and respectful communicative environment.
Session 2: Applying Principles and Solving Real-Life Problems
Offered at 5:30 p.m. | Five Moons 3
The second part of our series, Applying Principles and Solving Real-Life Problems, invites you into an interactive forum for exploring real-life communication issues within your parish. Harness the knowledge from our first session, bring your questions and concerns, and be prepared to engage in vibrant, problem-solving discussions. Learn from your peers, gain new insights from their experiences, and apply communication principles in real-world situations. This hands-on, collaborative workshop will help you navigate through actual communication challenges, with the guidance of our seasoned NALC Communications Team. Join us and contribute to the creation of congregations that communicate in a way the fosters shared identity, unity, and testimony across the North American Lutheran Church.
THE REV. DCN. ANDREW S. AMES FULLER
Director of Communications,
North American Lutheran Church
Youth and Family Ministry in the NALC
Offered at 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. | Five Moons 2
The Rev. Teresa Peters (Director of Youth and Family Ministry) and Melanie Corn (Youth and Family Ministry Specialist) will give a brief overview of what is happening in Youth and Family Ministry in the NALC and how the NALC can help make your local ministry stronger. They will also discuss how your church can do Youth and Family Ministry when you have few or even no young people in your pews.
THE REV. TERESA PETERS
Director of Youth & Family Ministry,
North American Lutheran Church
MELANIE CORN
Youth & Family Ministry Specialist,
North American Lutheran Church
Every Congregation Renewing: Real Life Processes and Strategies for Strengthening and Growing NALC Congregations
Offered at 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. | Five Moons 4
Many congregations in North America—and in the NALC were struggling with declining attendance, participation and involvement BEFORE the pandemic! That reality increased during the COVID-19 shut-down. Is your congregation plateaued? Stagnant? Unsure how to renew and re-engage to revitalize mission and ministry? The NALC offers a number of opportunities and strategies to assist congregations in this important work. This breakout will introduce these processes and strategies, focusing especially on the Fresh Eyes for Mission Summits, renewal through Aging Ministry resources, Small and Rural Church resources, as well as providing practical real-life ideas and information aimed at renewal and revitalizing congregational in-reach and out-reach!
THE REV. BRAD HALES
Director of Church Planting & Aging Ministry,
North American Lutheran Church
THE REV. DR. DAVID WENDEL
Assistant to the Bishop for Ministry & Ecumenism,
North American Lutheran Church